The plan for the 19-acre site on the edge of Newcastle’s city centre, combines facilities for science businesses, bases for further and higher education scientific research activities, student accommodation and family homes, alongside leisure and retail facilities.

It will take about 15 years to turn the former Gallowgate brewery site into Newcastle Science City, predicted to be one of the world’s top locations for science, business and economic development.

Construction is expected to begin by 2010, and ‘thousands’ more jobs will be created upon its completion.